An Austin man is being held in lieu of bail at the Scott County Security Center after being charged with one count of child molesting, a Class C felony.

Jeffrey Sons, 20, allegedly allowed a young child to touch him sexually while the two were sitting on a sofa in an Austin apartment last September. Sons reportedly admitted to the actions during an interview conducted by Detective Rachel Eickholtz with the Indiana State Police and Detective Rick Barrett of the Sheriff’s Department in December, according to the probable cause affidavit filed with the charge.

Austin reserve officer Derek Smith, the Indiana Department of Child Services and staff of the Child Advocacy Center in New Albany assisted in the investigation.

During the February 3 initial court hearing, a preliminary not guilty plea was entered for Sons. His jury trial was set for June 24. He is being represented by a public defender.

Bail in the case was originally set at $50,000 corporate surety bond/full cash. It was later reduced to $25,000 corporate surety or $2,500 cash bond once a “no contact” order went into effect. The order provides protection for the child and his family.